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Tan Hill Inn, Richmond
Tan Hill
Postal town: Richmond
DL11 6ED
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Tan Hill Inn
The thing about tourist honeypots is that the money pours in no matter how badly you run the place. There were maybe 15 cars, motorbikes and mobile homes parked outside when I arrived before noon on Sunday, having cycled up from Grinton at the bottom of the valley, and more were arriving by the minute, including some Morris dancers. A queue had formed at the bar, with no one apparently serving, though a man was lighting a fire with half a dozen logs and a whole packet of firelighters. One of the warmest days of the year so far, even at 1732 feet above sea level, but his job was to light the fire, not to serve drinks. The actual server soon returned with half a dozen cups of coffee, which explained some of the problem, but when she started to pour beer there was also a bit of a problem with froth. The man in front of me asked for a bitter shandy, and was asked what bitter he preferred. A quick glance told me that there weren't any bitters on the bar (about eight hand pumps, in widely separated clumps, partly hidden by clutter, with only maybe three real ales on) but he named Theakstons which was clearly off, and was offered the next Theakstons pump which was Old Peculier. Now the point of drinking a shandy is to reduce the alcohol in the drink; to make it with a 5.6% beer is irresponsible. My pint of Black Sheep Blonde (their Best Bitter was another one that had gone off and not been replaced, along with Kirkstall Three Swords) was frothy enough even without the addition of lemonade, wasn't in good condition (NBSS 2.5) and set me back £4.95.
When I sat down in one of the side rooms I observed another member of staff writing names and times on reservation slips to put on the tables. This was a good idea, as the slip encourages people to use the table until the time stated, but the printed form didn't have table numbers on it, so the lad was having to check the list for each slip that he put on a table, and had to go round all the tables again to make sure he'd got them right. He clearly needed supervision but wasn't getting any, while the lass behind the bar was trying her hardest, running just to keep still. Who was managing the pub?
I decided to relax rather than critiquing the performance of the staff. There were some interesting photos and maps on the walls showing the pub at various ages, and the coal mines that used to cover the whole area. I'd have liked to have stayed longer, but the background music was getting on my nerves and it was only a matter of time before the Morris dancers started to do their thing, so it was back on my bike and down yon hill.
Not sure I'll be back.
On 26th June 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3740 recommendations about 3477 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Tan Hill Inn
Finally managed to get to this legendary pub, the highest in the British Isles and also in a very remote spot so you really have to make an effort to reach it (even by car, although it was virtually full late on a Sunday afternoon). The plain façade belies the comfortable multi-room layout featuring traditional furniture and all kinds of bit and pieces as decoration. There is also a new outdoor seating area (but it was hardly the weather for that when we visited), accommodation for passing walkers on the Pennine Way, a barn at the back for live music and other events, and its own snowplough. With six of eight handpumps in use, we found the two 'house' ales from Tirril - Tan Hill and Kings Pit - plus Black Sheep, Landlord, Old Peculier and Wensleydale's Semer Water. Overall, a must visit.
On 19th August 2021
- rating: 9
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
. Wittenden left this review about Tan Hill Inn
Famous largely for being the country’s highest pub and for featuring in an advertisement for double glazing,this pub has been admirably described by the learned scribes below. We approached it on foot from Ravenseat, and found it indeed to be remote and windy, though the distant glint and hum from the A66 somewhat spoiled the experience.
On entering the pub, the anticipated Yorkshire Gothic-hikers, bikers,roasting footware and altitude related tat was diminished by wall to wall Steve Wright in the Afternoon (bless him.) Food was grim, my first pint of Black Sheep dire, though exchanged with good grace. The fresh barrel was on good form, however.
A good spot for people watching: a couple sitting behind us finished their meal rapidly. On being asked how they liked it, the lady declared it to be disgusting and inedible.The landlord or chef came out, and with great diplomacy defused the situation by means of the magic discount. Yorkshire Gothic, I suppose.
We’d been coming to Swaledale for years, and I’d never been inside: I doubt if we will again,but it’s one of those things…
On 4th November 2014
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 283 recommendations about 282 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about Tan Hill Inn
Occupying a remote and isolated position in the North Yorkshire Dales is The Tan Hill Inn, surely one of the best known pubs in the British Isles, although, ironically, I’ve yet to meet many people who’ve ever been there.
Helpfully signposted from the busy A66 a few miles to the north, it’s a car journey through moorland, along exposed narrow and winding country roads. Often having to slow down to little more than a crawl because of straying sheep, who appear impervious to the possibility of being run over, or the occasional car coming in the other direction, you’re just about to conclude that you must have missed a turning, when the inn suddenly looms into view on the hilltop in front of you.
As we approach the pub and pull in off the road onto the gravel car parking area, we are reminded that the pub is 1732 feet above sea level, the highest in the country. It’s a typical Yorkshire stone built building with a farmhouse attached – a “rustic barn” – which I gather is used for wedding ceremonies.
The main bar area of the pub has a flagstoned floor, padded pews, spindle backed chairs, dark wooden ceiling beams, much exposed stonework and a cosy welcoming log fire. A collection of bank notes and curly postcards decorate the ceiling beams. One area of the wall is devoted to various newspaper cuttings / magazine articles about the pub. Thus we learn that, a few years ago, the pub was closed for a few days over the New Year period due to snow and a number of people were stranded. We also see that, at various times in the past, the pub has been up for sale at £ 1.1 million and then £ 1 million. Interestingly, a small blackboard above the bar tells us that, as well as buying postcards and T shirts for 40p and £ 11 respectively, we can now acquire the pub should we so wish, for the princely sum of £ 900,000. Note also an old “Wolf and Whistle” pub sign and an unusual Ring the Bell game next to the door on the left hand side. A small counter alongside the bar serves teas, coffees, cakes, chocolate bars etc
A second room on the right has several settees and more seating for diners. This room is carpeted and contains some musical instruments, old sewing machines and old typewriters. There’s also a piano and, overall, something of a drawing room feel. We also see several old Theakstons mirrors and framed newspaper cuttings about a fire at the pub in 1979. There’s also a photo and article about the famous Everest Double Glazing T V Ad in 1984/85.
There’s several seats outside at the front overlooking the moorland where, on my visit, largely the only sound was the creaking of the hanging pub sign swaying to and fro in the wind.
A small leaflet on the tables gives us a bit of history of the pub. We learn that it was a fully working coal mine as far back as 1586. Perhaps inevitably, we are also told of a ghost of a long serving former landlady, who is said to appear during alterations.
In overall terms, there’s more of a traditional relatively unspoilt feel to the pub than one might expect, given its fame. A Motor Bike Club is based at the inn. There’s also occasional “Country and Northern” music. A Christmas party was advertised for 30 November.
The Pennine Way passes the pub and, although not evident on my visit, the pub is equally as popular with walkers as it is with those arriving by car or by bike. The pub opens early for morning tea and coffee and there’s ensuite B + B available. Hearty pub grub is available and is perhaps less expensive than one might anticipate.
On the real ale front, Theakstons Best and Old Peculier were available alongside Black Sheep and Ewe Juice, the latter being a 5% beer brewed especially for the pub by the nearby Dent Brewery.
Unquestionably, this was an exceptionally enjoyable and memorable visit, admittedly largely due to the journey, a certain sense of achievement at getting here and, most of all, the stunning and remote moorland setting.
You really should try and get here sometime – I’m certainly intending to be back one day
On 11th November 2013
- rating: 9
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about Tan Hill Inn
Part of the enjoyment of this remote Dales pub is the journey to get there. We enjoyed a long scenic drive up Butter Tubs Pass and beyond and were pleased to finally see the pub as it appeared on the horizon, although we had to remain patient a few minutes longer as the junction was blocked by ten or so very stubborn sheep. Having parked up and taken in the excellent scenery, we entered into the main bar with a lovely flagstone floor and, despite it being June, a lit fireplace to the right of the entrance. The servery runs along the back wall and is fairly cluttered with various pictures, postcards, amusing notices and the like which adorn many of the ceiling beams as well. There is limited seating in this room, including a couple of stone seats next to the fireplace, but it felt like the nicest room to spend time in. There is a smart looking restaurant to the left which has its own fireplace and some attractive décor. To the right of the main bar is the lounge, which has a number of sofas around the perimeter of the room and several standard tables and chairs. The room has something of a music theme (live music is advertised) with an upright piano in one corner propping up old sewing machines and typewriters, guitars mounted on the walls and an accordion and gramophone player on the window sill. There are a few snippets on the walls detailing interesting points in the pub’s history, such as when it was filmed for an Everest Windows commercial and the time it got badly damaged by fire. There were a good few people in here when we visited and there seemed to be a sense of camaraderie amongst everyone who had managed to find this place. The staff seemed like a very friendly and hospitable bunch although the pub dog wasn’t quite so friendly when one of the young children in the lounge woke it up.
On the bar there was a choice of ale – Black Sheep Bitter and All Creatures, Theakston Old Peculiar and something called Tan Hill Ewe Juice that I assumed was a home brew. I gave the All Creatures a try and thought it was in good shape. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to spot a menu, so I’m not sure what the food is like, but I’d imagine the folk who walk or cycle here would need some pretty hearty fare to see them on their way.
I thought visiting this pub was a unique experience and I really enjoyed the idea of finding this haven in such a remote and isolated spot. It’s a shame I could only stop for the one drink as it would be interesting to spend an evening here to get a better feel for the place – maybe that’s the excuse I need to make a return visit.
On 13th July 2012
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Tan Hill Inn
There is not much to be said that hasn’t already about the Tan Hill, one of the country’s best known and best loved pubs. There has been a pub here since 1586 although the current building dates from the 17th Century and was extended in 1990. Whilst it now stands alone at the top of a bleak and windy peak, it must be remembered that it once serviced a small miner’s village that was demolished when the last mine in the area closed in 1929 leaving the pub in its current lofty, isolated position.
Its remoteness is stunning with views in all directions across 4 counties with not a building in sight and just the glint of cars on the A66 a few miles away as a reminder of any links to civilization. There is always a healthy number of cars parked at the pub although many hardy souls choose to trek here by foot across the moors. When the snow is thick on the ground, the pub will send out its bright orange Snow-Cat to pick up customers from the nearest village of Keld and when conditions are particularly poor, customers have been known to be stranded at the pub for days on end. Apart from the external views, you will also find a managerie of ducks, geese, hens, a pair of sheep (tastefully named Donna & Shish) and a recent introduction, 5 alpacas either roaming around the car park or possibly in the bar itself where it is not uncommon to find a sheep slouched in front of the fire.
The pub interior consists of 3 rooms. The stone floored central main bar has low beamed ceilings and is dimly lit with lanterns and candles that are supplemented by the glow of the large open brick fireplace during the winter moths. The furnishings are quite basic with just a few benches, tables and some stools at the bar. By the door to the left hand bar is a deceptively hard “ring the bell” game with, if I recall, a free pint to anyone managing it on their first attempt. To the left of the main bar is a smaller room containing a stone fireplace, flat screen TV and a museum’s worth of old photos of the pub. To the right of the main bar is a carpeted lounge bar with sofas, leather armchairs, a piano and collection of various musical instruments. There is also a separate barn that acts as a function room, music venue (Arctic Monkeys are among the acts that have played here) and also houses a big screen for the bigger televised events.
There were 4 ales available on my visit but it was a generally standard local choice of Theakston Best, Black Sheep Best and Theakston Old Peculiar although the pub’s own ale called Ewe Juice (which is apparently brewed by Dent) is the choice that many will initially opt for. The menu was a decent if not extensive selection with main meals around £7/10 although I should mention that my visit was in winter and the menu at this time is not as broad as the more popular summer months.
Sadly I did not encounter Tracy the crazy Fawlty Toweresque landlady but there is enough evidence around the pub to suggest that the pub does have a rather quirky sense of humour. A sign in the entrance porch not only spells out a few facts and figures about the pub but also announces “warm beer, lousy food and bad service” and that landlady Tracy “has been certified Barking Mad by 3 independent top doctors”. At various points around the pub are displays including articles about the now famous Everest double glazing adverts that were filmed here, the pub’s dispute with KFC over their “family feast” trademark meals, the “Wolf & Whistle” pub sign from the American Werewolf parody Vodaphone advert, various newspaper clippings, bank notes from around the word, Guiness World of Record’s certificates (the World Record for the loudest human voice was set here in 1985 and it wasn’t the landlady) and a whole host of other features that have made the pub what it is.
Despite its notoriety and popularity, the Tan Hill doesn’t feel overtly touristy although I did find it hard not to leave without purchasing a pub t-shirt, one of the few concessions to tourism. The place certainly isn’t perfect to everyone and the landlady may be bananas but it has an eccentricity that could only be British and is one of those pubs that must be visited although its isolation means you will more than likely find yourself here for more than a passing pint.
On 5th September 2010
- rating: 9
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
aleand hearty left this review about Tan Hill Inn
Not so much a pub as a national institution. It’s famous for being the highest pub above sea level in Great Britain (1732ft), snowfalls of epic proportions (hence its own snow cat vehicle) and many TV appearances, including ‘Oz Clarke and James May Drink to Britain’. It’s also often rumoured to have featured in the 1981 film ‘An American Werewolf In London’ although that’s not true apparently. However, it didn’t stop ‘Vodafone’ filming a spoof advert there in the early 1990’s.
Potted history aside, we arrived just before twilight, on our visit, having driven up the Arkengarthdale road from Reeth and were immediately blown away by the majestic, isolated setting. The fading light at the end of a beautiful, crisp day provided a wonderful atmosphere.
The pub itself is a very solid looking stone building, quite Tardis like in hiding its surprisingly large interior. There are three rooms, all slightly different in character. The bar area is cosily low-ceilinged and stone flagged with a cracking real fire. The room to the left is smarter, slightly more formal and feels like a dining area. There is also a comfortable lounge with some very inviting sofas to flop into.
Four beers on the go, when we called: Theakston’s Best Bitter & Old Peculier, Black Sheep Bitter and the house beer ‘Ewe Juice’ which is brewed by Dent Brewery. Both the ‘OP’ and ‘Ewe Juice’ were in good nick, but just a little cold unfortunately.
With both the Pennine Way and Coast-to-Coast paths being close by, there are obviously very strong ties to the walking community and that shows in the generously portioned, hearty pub fare and the range of accommodation available. (There’s also a ‘sweetie counter’ to stock up on Mars bars and the like!) You can also purchase T-shirts and postcards, suggesting a real ‘brand Tan Hill’ ethos. However, given the pub’s setting you can hardly blame them for making the most of any commercial opportunity.
Surprisingly busy at 4.45 on a Monday afternoon. However, with it being such a destination pub, I should imagine it’s very rarely quiet. There were several parties drawn from all over the UK, providing an obvious source of banter and a good chatty atmosphere. Staff were friendly and welcoming, one barmaid in particular having a wonderfully mordant wit.
I’ve been to places with better beer, but as a complete package the Tan Hill Inn takes some beating. Without doubt, one of my favourite ever pubs. A must visit.
On 20th January 2010
- rating: 9
[User has posted 581 recommendations about 563 pubs]